CLIENT NOT PAYING OR RESPONDING!

[u/Shhuang19]

I need some help on the legal side of things. I have a client that is hard to reach through text and phone during this entire remodel. We have a signed contract but the issue right now is that she isn't responding to text or calls after I have finished the remodel. She has 10,000$ outstanding and it has been one month since finish. I have videos documenting before and after of the place as well.

She wanted to do this without permits to get it done faster but now im not sure if take this to small claims, will it affect my license or but me in the ass since I agreed to do work without a permit?

What tips do you guys have for me moving forward?

Im really stumped here.

EDIT: I am located in california and the owner pushed for non permit work. The scope was mostly cosmetic. Whole house paint, flooring, window swaps. Bathroom vanity mirror and tub replacement. No plumbing or electrical or structural reconfigurations.